Member's Press Release

President Cole

Statement from Senate President Bill Cole on Override of Concealed Carry Veto

CHARLESTON – Senate President Bill Cole, R-Mercer, issued the following statement about today's veto override of House Bill 4145, which relates to the carry of a handgun or deadly weapon:

"The Senate today, in a broad bipartisan vote, defended the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding West Virginia citizens by overriding Governor Tomblin’s veto of House Bill 4145.

"This bill allows West Virginians to protect themselves without the government’s permission. It has been improved from the bill vetoed last year by creating three new criminal offenses. The new felony offenses come with tough penalties for using a concealed deadly weapon during the commission of a crime, and for carrying a concealed firearm if you are not legally permitted to do so. We are also creating an incentive for training courses, which I believe will go a long way to encourage people to be properly trained on the safe use of their weapons.

"I am proud of this version, and I am pleased that today we were able to stand up for the constitutional rights our citizens hold so dear."